Meet Garry Cooper, GP

Why is LongJump’s mission important to you? It’s my lived experience. When I started Rheaply, I had a few friends, fewer operating dollars, and a big vision. Through some series of small miracles, and a really talented bunch of teammates, we are now growing. But I had to build much more than a company to get to a place of growth. It took building a network, knowledge set, and confidence to be the leader that my vision for Rheaply requires. All-in-all, I wouldn’t recommend my path to growth to any founder - much less a founder from an underrepresented background. So, LongJump’s mission is important to me because I hope to make my story pretty unremarkable and commonplace. Indeed, it’s the same sentiment that VP Kamala Harris gave voice to in the run up to the inaugural: I might be among the first, but I will make sure I am not the last.

Tell us about your current company and the problem you’re solving? What is your role there? I am the CEO and co-founder of Rheaply. Rheaply help organizations scale reuse with a vision to power the transition to a circular economy.

What are you looking for in LongJump portfolio companies? I am looking for founders who learn and are tenacious. Hypothesize-driven tactics paired with a grit to never give up is what will stand out for me.

How are you most excited to contribute to Chicago-based companies? I am excited to open my network to founders in Chicago to amazing people I’ve met along the way. In addition, I love thinking through business model innovation or operational challenges. I could yap on all day about strategy. The hairier the problem, the more engaged I will be.

What is your favorite thing to do in Chicago? Wear short sleeves (which means it’s summer).